By Matik Kueth
The African Union (AU), in collaboration with the United Nations and the Government of South Sudan, has announced the call for applications for three international commissioners to serve on the long-awaited Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH), which was established as a result of the country’s 2018 peace agreement.
The move marks a major step toward operationalizing one of the most critical transitional justice mechanisms envisioned under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed by President Salva Kiir and then-opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar in September 2018.
President Kiir signed the CTRH Act into law in November 2024, paving the way for the commission’s establishment after years of political delays.
Commission composition and mandate
Under the peace accord, the CTRH will comprise seven members, four South Sudanese and three from other African countries, with at least three women among them.
The body is mandated to investigate human rights violations, promote national reconciliation, and foster healing after years of brutal conflict.
The three international commissioners will be nominated by South Sudan’s Council of Ministers in consultation with the AU Commission Chairperson and the UN Secretary-General, before being presented to parliament for final approval.
AU calls for qualified African experts
The AU said applicants must be citizens of African Union member states other than South Sudan, holding at least a master’s degree in law, political science, international relations, or related fields.
Candidates must also possess a minimum of 10 years’ experience in transitional justice, human rights, peacebuilding, or conflict resolution, and demonstrate impartiality and integrity.
A joint AU-UN panel will conduct interviews and vet shortlisted candidates before forwarding final recommendations to Juba as applications close on December 1, 2025.
The establishment of the CTRH has faced repeated delays since the signing of the 2018 peace deal, with many victims and activists expressing frustration over slow progress.
Once operational, the commission is expected to play a crucial role in documenting atrocities, promoting truth-telling, and healing divisions that have torn South Sudan apart for over a decade.